The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) has reported promising preliminary findings on the effectiveness of Advise TN, a statewide initiative aimed at increasing college enrollment among high school students in Tennessee. Since its inception in 2017, Advise TN has placed dedicated college and career advisors in up to 30 high schools each year, providing personalized guidance to students and their families regarding post-secondary plans.
In collaboration with researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, THEC has begun evaluating Advise TN’s impact on college enrollment. Early results indicate a positive and sustained effect on college-going rates, with the program increasing enrollment by 6% in participating schools. This impact was particularly noticeable in rural areas, where rates rose by 8%, and among women and Hispanic students, with increases of 7% and 16%, respectively.
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The study also highlighted the importance of frequent interaction with advisors. Students who met with Advise TN advisors multiple times were 31% more likely to pursue postsecondary education compared to those with minimal advisor engagement. This underscores the value of sustained and personalized advising in enhancing college enrollment.
The analysis compared students from Advise TN schools with those from similar schools without the program, focusing on immediate college enrollment outcomes. Future research will explore long-term effects such as college retention and completion rates.
Dr. Steven Gentile, Executive Director of THEC, emphasized the program’s role in supporting students’ educational journeys by offering professional advisors and a range of college-preparation activities. The program targets schools with below-average college-going rates, focusing on first-generation and low-income students to ensure equal access to higher education opportunities.
Dr. Taylor Odle, the lead researcher from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, noted the strong design of Advise TN, which effectively supports students throughout their college and career planning process. For more information about Advise TN, visit CollegeForTN.org/Advise-TN.
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